Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: By showcasing metrics like a 15% reduction in legal costs, the applicant effectively illustrates their impact through measurable achievements and value.
- Uses action-oriented language: Action verbs such as “managed,” “negotiated,” and “developed” convey initiative and effectiveness.
- Showcases career progression: Progressing from associate attorney to corporate lawyer highlights an upward career trajectory, reflecting increased responsibilities over time.
More Corporate Lawyer Resume Examples
Browse our corporate lawyer resume examples to learn how to highlight your legal expertise, negotiation skills, and case successes. These law resume samples will help you craft a compelling resume that impresses potential employers.
Entry-Level Corporate Lawyer
Why this resume works
- Effective use of keywords: By using role-specific keywords like “corporate lawyer” and “contract negotiation,” the applicant optimizes their resume for keywords, ensuring it passes applicant tracking systems (ATS) screenings effectively.
- Puts skills at the forefront: Placing skills like contract negotiation and litigation strategies prominently in the layout shows a skills-based resume format that’s ideal for showcasing expertise upfront.
- Shows digital literacy: Listing technical skills such as regulatory analysis reflects a strong grasp of computer skills, proving digital literacy essential for modern legal environments.
Mid-Level Corporate Lawyer
Why this resume works
- Points to measurable outcomes: By detailing achievements like cutting costs by 15% and reducing audits by 25%, the applicant emphasizes an ability to deliver effective, measurable outcomes in diverse legal contexts.
- Demonstrates language abilities: Language skills in Spanish and French improve the applicant’s capacity for cross-cultural communication.
- Includes a mix of soft and hard skills: Balancing technical expertise in compliance management with interpersonal skills like client advocacy reflects a well-rounded approach to legal problem-solving.
Experienced Corporate Lawyer
Why this resume works
- Focuses on work history: Using a chronological resume format, the applicant effectively outlines extensive legal experience in corporate roles, offering clear insight into career progression and expertise.
- Showcases impressive accomplishments: Including standout accomplishments, like reducing liabilities by 35%, illustrates senior-level impact and strategic prowess in corporate law.
- Lists relevant certifications: Relevant certifications such as Certified Corporate Legal Advisor reinforce the applicant’s dedication to professional growth and legal expertise.
Corporate Lawyer Resume Template (Text Version)
Hiro Kim
Tacoma, WA 98406
(555)555-5555
Hiro.Kim@example.com
Professional Summary
Experienced Corporate Lawyer with expertise in M&A, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance. Proven track record in reducing legal costs and successful case management.
Work History
Corporate Lawyer
Global Legal Solutions – Tacoma, WA
January 2023 – August 2025
- Managed 10+ corporate legal cases monthly.
- Reduced legal costs by 15% annually.
- Advised M&A deals worth over $200M.
Legal Counsel
Metro Law Firm – Spokane, WA
January 2019 – December 2022
- Negotiated contracts saving $500K.
- Handled compliance for Fortune 500 clients.
- Developed legal strategies reducing risks by 20%.
Associate Attorney
Smith & Partners – Seattle, WA
January 2018 – December 2018
- Assisted in litigation with 80% success rate.
- Drafted legal documents for $800K deals.
- Maintained client relationships boosting retention by 25%.
Languages
- Spanish – Beginner (A1)
- French – Intermediate (B1)
- German – Beginner (A1)
Skills
- Corporate Law
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Contract Negotiation
- Litigation Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Legal Research
- Risk Mitigation
- Client Relations
Certifications
- Certified Corporate Counsel – Association of Corporate Counsel
- Professional Legal Compliance – Compliance Certification Board
Education
Juris Doctor Law
Harvard Law School Cambridge, MA
June 2017
Bachelor of Arts Political Science
University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA
June 2014
Related Resume Guides
Advice for Writing Your Corporate Lawyer Resume
Looking to land your next role as a corporate lawyer? Dive into our tailored advice section and discover how to write a resume that highlights your legal expertise and business acumen. Explore tips specific to the corporate law field and learn how to showcase your skills, experience, and achievements effectively.
Highlight your most relevant skills
When you’re applying for a job as a corporate lawyer, it’s important to list the skills that match the role. This helps show why you’re a good fit for the job. By having a clear skills section, you make it easier for employers to see what you can do.
It’s smart to include both technical skills, like legal research and contract drafting, and interpersonal skills, such as negotiation and communication. This balanced mix shows that you can handle the complex tasks of corporate law while also working well with others.
Adding key skills into your work experience section makes them even stronger. When you describe past jobs or projects, highlight how you’ve used your legal knowledge or teamwork abilities in real situations. For example, mention times when your negotiation skills led to successful deals or when your attention to detail helped solve tricky legal issues.
By focusing on these relevant skills throughout your resume, you’ll give yourself the best chance at landing the corporate lawyer position. Showing how your talents align with the job not only grabs attention but also lets employers know you’re ready to take on their challenges effectively.
Clarity and precision are key—choose a resume format that highlights contracts, litigation, and corporate governance.
Showcase your accomplishments
When organizing your work experience as a corporate lawyer, list your jobs in reverse chronological order. This means starting with your most recent position and working back. For each job entry, include your job title, the name of the employer, location, and the dates you worked there. This structure helps hiring managers easily follow your career path and see how you’ve progressed over time.
Make your resume stand out by turning job duties into achievements. Instead of just saying what you did, show how well you did it. Use numbers to highlight your accomplishments—like percentages that show improvement or cost savings achieved through a project you led.
Action words like “negotiated,” “implemented,” or “reduced” can help emphasize these achievements and make them sound more impressive. When hiring managers see quantified results, they can quickly understand the impact you’ve made in previous roles.
Focusing on measurable outcomes not only highlights your skills but also shows potential employers that you are results-oriented. By showcasing specific accomplishments rather than generic duties, you demonstrate how effectively you’ve applied your legal expertise to benefit past employers.
This approach will make it easier for hiring managers to envision the positive impact you’ll have on their organization as a corporate lawyer.
5 corporate lawyer work history bullet points
- Negotiated 15+ complex corporate contracts annually, leading to a 25% increase in successful client agreements.
- Advised on mergers and acquisitions worth over $100 million, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and improving company growth.
- Streamlined legal processes by implementing a new contract management system, reducing document processing time by 40%.
- Led a legal team of 4 in conducting due diligence for high-profile transactions, resulting in zero compliance issues.
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents for corporate governance, improving accuracy and reducing errors by 30%.
Choose a resume template that is clean and simple, with clear sections for work history and skills. Avoid fancy fonts or graphics that could distract from your information.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary is a short introduction on your resume that gives hiring managers a quick look at who you are. It helps them decide if they want to learn more about you.
A professional summary is best for people with work experience. It’s usually three to four sentences long and shows your experience, skills, and achievements. The goal of the professional summary is to quickly show your professional identity and what value you bring to the company.
On the other hand, a resume objective is more about career goals. It’s good for entry-level job seekers, people changing careers, or those with gaps in their work history. While summaries focus on “what I’ve accomplished,” objectives highlight “what I aim to contribute.”
Next, let’s look at examples of both summaries and objectives for different jobs and experience levels.
Corporate lawyer resume summary examples
Entry-level
Recent law school graduate with a Juris Doctor degree and a focus on corporate law. Completed internships at reputable law firms, gaining foundational skills in contract review, corporate governance, and compliance. Passed the state bar exam and eager to contribute to legal teams by providing careful research and supporting case preparation.
Mid-career
Corporate lawyer with over seven years of experience advising businesses on mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Known for drafting complex contracts and leading negotiation processes. Holds a strong track record in improving client relationships through strategic legal guidance and has been recognized for successfully managing high-stakes transactions.
Experienced
Seasoned corporate lawyer specializing in international business law with 15+ years of experience. Expert in leading cross-border mergers and acquisitions, structuring joint ventures, and advising C-suite executives on corporate strategy. Renowned for driving legal innovation that supports corporate growth while ensuring adherence to global regulations. Demonstrated ability to lead large legal teams towards achieving organizational goals.
Corporate lawyer resume objective examples
Recent graduate
Driven recent graduate with a law degree seeking an entry-level corporate lawyer position to use academic knowledge and research skills in a dynamic legal environment. Eager to contribute to corporate legal teams by assisting in contract analysis, compliance issues, and regulatory matters.
Career changer
Ambitious professional transitioning into corporate law with experience in business management and strong analytical skills. Looking for an opportunity as a corporate lawyer to apply understanding of business operations and legal principles, aiming to support corporate governance and risk management strategies effectively.
Specialized training
Recent graduate with specialized training in corporate law from a recognized institution seeking a junior corporate lawyer role. Passionate about leveraging education and internships focused on mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, and intellectual property rights to contribute to the success of progressive law firms.
Create a standout corporate lawyer resume with our Resume Builder. It helps you highlight your skills and experience in an easy-to-read format.
Match your resume to the job description
Tailoring resumes to job descriptions is important for standing out to employers and getting through ATS. These systems scan resumes for specific keywords and phrases from job postings. By aligning your resume with the job description, you improve your chances of catching the attention of hiring managers.
An ATS-friendly resume incorporates keywords and phrases that match your skills and experiences. This involves using terms directly from the job posting. When these keywords are included, it increases the likelihood that a human recruiter will see your resume.
To identify relevant keywords from job postings, focus on skills, qualifications, and duties mentioned repeatedly. For instance, if “risk assessment,” “contract negotiation,” or “legal research” appear multiple times in a posting, ensure these exact phrases are part of your resume.
Incorporate these terms naturally into your resume content. For example, change “improved legal processes” to “streamlined legal processes by implementing a new contract management system.” This not only highlights directly relevant experience but also makes it easier for ATS to detect key terms.
Targeted resumes improve ATS compatibility and demonstrate to employers that you understand their needs. By taking time to customize your resume for each application, you show attention to detail and boost your chances of securing an interview.
Make your resume stand out fast! Our ATS Resume Checker reviews your resume and gives quick tips to help you impress hiring managers.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my corporate lawyer resume?
Yes, including a cover letter with your corporate lawyer resume is highly beneficial and can differentiate you from other applicants.
A cover letter provides an opportunity to highlight your specific interest in a firm, discuss relevant legal experience, and display your understanding of the corporate law landscape.
For instance, if a firm specializes in mergers and acquisitions or securities law, you can emphasize your expertise or prior success in those areas by elaborating on them within your cover letter.
Consider using a Cover Letter Generator to craft a personalized cover letter that aligns efficiently with the job description and your professional background.
Additionally, reviewing cover letter examples tailored for corporate lawyers can offer valuable insights into structuring your narrative effectively.
How long should a corporate lawyer’s resume be?
For a corporate lawyer, a concise one-page resume is often recommended if you’re early in your career or making a lateral move within the same field. This format helps highlight key skills such as legal research, contract negotiation, and case management effectively.
However, for those with extensive experience, specialized certifications, or applying for senior roles, a two-page resume might be more suitable. Be sure to include only details that demonstrate your expertise in corporate law.
Check out our guide on how long a resume should be for more examples and advice tailored to your professional journey.
How do you write a corporate lawyer resume with no experience?
When creating a resume with no experience for a corporate lawyer role, focus on your education, skills, and any internships or coursework that highlight your potential in the legal field. Follow these tips:
- Emphasize your education: Highlight your law degree prominently. Include details such as the university you attended, graduation date, and any honors or awards received.
- Include relevant coursework and projects: List courses related to corporate law that you’ve completed. Mention any research papers or projects that showcase your understanding of corporate legal frameworks.
- Highlight transferable skills: Focus on skills such as analytical thinking, negotiation, and communication. If you’ve gained these through extracurricular activities or part-time jobs, make sure to include them.
- Leverage internships and volunteer work: Any internships in law firms or volunteer positions related to legal assistance should be detailed under experience. Describe your responsibilities and what you achieved during those roles.
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